Enterprise to Launch Brands in Ecuador

Enterprise Holdings Inc. has announced its Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo Rent A Car brands will begin operations in Ecuador in early spring 2017.

The three brands will serve customers at the main airports in Quito and Guayaquil, two major cities in Ecuador. Service will expand to neighborhood locations in those cities, as well as openings in other Ecuadorian markets, in the next several years, according to Enterprise.

“Ecuador is a key country for us, as it holds great growth potential for both corporate and leisure car rental,” said Peter A. Smith, vice president of global franchising at Enterprise Holdings. “The Ecuador government has made significant investment in the country’s travel industry, making it an increasingly attractive destination for tourists.”

In Ecuador, Enterprise is partnering with Automotores Y Anexos (AYASA), which will serve as its master franchisee, according to the company. AYASA, a family-owned and operated business, has been an auto dealer and distributor in Ecuador with a dealership network of more than 20 locations.

“Our success was made possible by adhering to a set of core values such as loyalty, honesty, and respect,” said Nicolás Espinosa, executive chairman for Automotores y Anexos S.A. “Enterprise shares those values, as well as the passion to become the preferred choice for car rental services in this county.”

The expansion into Ecuador is further illustration of Enterprise Holdings’ vision to build a network in major markets across the globe. It is now operational in more than 80 countries and territories, including locations in 29 countries and 31 markets in Latin America, according to Enterprise.

“Launching our brands in Ecuador will provide our loyal leisure and corporate customers from around the world with another travel destination where they can enjoy the high quality customer service they have come to expect from Enterprise, National, and Alamo,” said Smith. “Our brands will also be able to provide quality transportation solutions for local customers in Ecuador seeking to travel for business or leisure.”

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Counter bypass is just the beginning. The promise of a “data-driven ecosystem” that connects renters with the rental agency, retail services, and even the city is a better managed fleet, an improved user experience, and new revenue opportunities during the rental itself.